Cubs OF Seiya Suzuki (knee) to miss Opening Day

Veteran outfielder recovering from PCL sprain, expected to return soon

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:22am

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki will not be ready for Opening Day due to a minor right knee injury suffered while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Manager Craig Counsell said Suzuki is progressing well in his recovery, but the team will take a cautious approach and not rush him back.

Why it matters

Suzuki is a key offensive contributor for the Cubs, coming off a career-best season in 2025 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs. His absence to start the season is a blow, but the team has time to make a decision on whether to place him on the injured list or give him additional recovery time.

The details

Suzuki suffered a sprain of his right posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) while attempting to steal a base during Japan's WBC quarterfinal loss on March 14. He has been able to do some throwing and hitting, but has not yet started running drills. The Cubs are taking a cautious approach, with manager Craig Counsell saying they have time to decide if Suzuki needs to go on the IL or if he can return soon after Opening Day.

  • Suzuki suffered the knee injury on March 14 during the World Baseball Classic.
  • The Cubs open the 2026 season on Thursday, March 28 against the Washington Nationals.

The players

Seiya Suzuki

A 31-year-old outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who is entering his fifth MLB season. He is coming off a career-best 2025 campaign with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who announced that Suzuki will not be ready for Opening Day due to his knee injury.

Michael Conforto

A 10-year MLB veteran outfielder who has been informed he will make the Cubs' Opening Day roster as a non-roster invitee.

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What they’re saying

“Look, we've had good days ever since he's been back to camp. Opening Day, it's not going to happen. (He's) not going to be ready to play on Opening Day. Once you get past Opening Day, we've got to make a decision, does it just make sense to give him some time? We've got time to make that decision.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will decide in the coming days whether to place Suzuki on the injured list or keep him on the active roster to give him more time to recover before his season debut.

The takeaway

Suzuki's injury is a setback for the Cubs, but the team is taking a prudent approach to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to the lineup. His absence opens the door for veteran outfielder Michael Conforto to make the Opening Day roster and contribute early in the season.